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I am ten days out and going to Vegas, would it be okay to have a shot or two? How long did you guys wait? I hear people saying they had a shot or two very early on.. just want to see what other people experienced. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

350 lbs pre-nutritionist; 345 lbs now; first weigh-in Jan 18th; hope to get to 342 by first weigh-in. Hope to eliminate nicotine gum and all alcohol. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It sounds like you have a lot going on in your life so try and take it one day and one issue at a time . I also have reflux and have found a few things to do to keep it at bay. Do not eat late at night , slow waaaay down when you are eating and throughly chew your food . Avoid acid producing food and beverages such as alcohol and foods that just do not mix well. Keep your meals simple and make nutrition a priority, not what the scale says . I take an OTC acid reducer when I feel I have eaten to late or had some alcohol. It helps a lot . I had esophagitis and learned my lessons the hard way . Change is often hard for many of us , and if one goes back to doing as they did before banding ,your body will tell you . I disagree with taking pharmaceuticals as a crutch ,there are much more effective products available OTC , such as Saffron and CLA , check out LEF.org , do your research and find what works for you and your body. Banded in "08 and finally have settled into a rhythm and effectively dealing with the band . Work it ! and you will be successful. ~

My doc said not for one year! However, I had alcohol, about 3 months out. I have a cocktail every once in a while now, maybe two twice a month. I was never a big alcohol drinker...well, I worked at a winery for 12 years and I definitely consumed my share and more over those years which was 15 or more years ago. Beer, absolutely fills me up with just a half of beer now. I might have one or two glasses of wine and/or cocktails on a weekend night (but I don't do ones with sweet fillers), just a martini or fresh margarita and I'm feel super happy! I say use your own judgement. You might be able to have a cocktail or two or...your sleeve just might not tolerate it. Keep in mind...alcohol is still high calories, high sugar, and for me at least it seems to hit me much stronger than before being sleeved. One Love.

Weight Loss Surgery: The Easy Way Out? Are you frustrated with diet and exercise? Feel like it’s too much effort for little to no payoff? Is weight loss surgery something to consider? Probably not. Why? The qualifying criteria for surgery is strict; the lifestyle changes required are extreme, and after surgical healing is complete… a healthy, low calorie diet must be followed. And exercise? That doesn’t go away either. In fact, the recommendation is about an hour every day. Weight loss or bariatric surgery has become more common in the U.S. as surgical techniques and outcomes have improved and most insurance companies are covering it.As a bariatric dietitian, I see patients before, after and many years out from surgery. Sadly, there’s a common misconception that patients who choose to have surgery are taking the easy way out. Short story: going under the knife is copping out. I find this comment uninformed and hurtful. I have never seen a patient who hasn’t carefully considered the risks of surgery or what they will have to incorporate and eliminate from their lives afterward. Proactively choosing a surgical tool, when all other measures have failed, is a courageous example of taking personal responsibility for one’s health…not a stroll down Easy Street. Bariatric surgery is not for those with 10, 25 or even 50 lbs. to lose. Surgeons will only operate on patients with a body mass index or BMI that is 40 or greater. If a patient has a chronic disease as well as obesity, the qualifying BMI drops to 35 since the health urgency is even greater. When an individual meets the BMI minimum and has had no luck with a long series of diet and exercise plans-- weight loss surgery could be the tool helping them regain their health. Ironically, there’s a lot to gain from bariatric surgery but it comes with a high price. I always ask my patients considering surgery if they are prepared to do the following….permanently. · Never drink with meals again · Give up smoking, carbonated drinks and severely restrict if not outright eliminate, alcohol · Exercise an hour per day 6+ days per week · Take a minimum of 5 vitamin/mineral supplements throughout the day · Chew food at least twenty times per bite And there’s little margin for error. If patients push the limits of their new stomachs, they pay for it with intense physical pain including nausea and vomiting. The journey after weight loss surgery is exciting, scary, motivating and hard. As more weight is lost, confidence grows but new challenges appear. Relationships can be tested; self-esteem may soar or sink. It’s no surprise that support during this journey is essential. Research repeatedly shows patients receiving professional, non-judgmental support after surgery lose the most weight and keep it off. Since surgery is only step 1 in the weight management marathon, it’s clear to me, patients choosing this option aren’t slackers at all—more like superheroes.

this is such a individualized food or drink choice. most doctors would say no. empty calories they don't want us to drink our calories they want us to eat them. I think the problem with alcohol isn't so much with lapbanders since we have our stomach still. the other wls the alcohol dumps into the small intestine in which it is absorbed straight away. but its easy for me to say not drink, because I don't drink. but I know that having a drink is important to some of you so first just ask your doctor, and than play it real smart. so now go have fun.

My doctor told me to wait a year before I drink any kind of alcohol again, I am keeping that promise until my aniversary november 6 , 2014, that was the only thing that he insist in every conversation he mention no alcohol for a year,

For what it's worth, we quit smoking 3 months before surgery, giving up coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks at the same time. The plan was to knock those habits so that during preop we wouldn't be struggling with food withdrawal, caffeine withdrawal, nicotine withdrawal, wine withdrawal and Diet Coke withdrawal all at the same time and end up killing each other before the surgery even happened. We went to a vape shop and bought a cheap vape to try. We did not like it. We were both cigar smokers, and used to much smoother and aromatic smoke than cigarettes and the vape burned and made us cough, plus sometimes "spittle" from the atomizer would burn our lips or tongues So we went to a different shop and said "Look, I don't know anything about vapes except that I hate this one we bought a few weeks ago. Can you recommend something smoother, bigger clouds, won't burn my mouth off RANDOMLY?" He put together a mod (the bottom part that holds the battery), tank and atomizer that would maximize what we wanted - full flavour, smooth vapour, no back spittle through the tip. Costed about the same as 1 month of cigars for 2 people. I never plan on smoking again, I was quit for 5 full years before last winter, and ideally I'll quit vaping eventually too. Until then, it's odourless, flavourful and since there's no combustion it is not depositing the harmful tar and carbon like cigars and cigarettes. The surgeons at ALM had no issues with e-cig use, before or after surgery since blood clots are not linked to nicotine, but specifically to smoking tobacco.

In my case, a lot of the foods I occasionally miss are ones that give me nearly instant, really unpleasant issues (sugar, alcohol, bread, pasta, potatoes are mostly the ones I can't tolerate STILL, even at 19 months out!)...so in a way a lot of that resolved itself because it's like aversion therapy. Every time I start sizing up a cookie, I remember fainting the last time I ate one and that definitely keeps me away LOL.

Just wanted to chime in and say I agree with this statement 100%. I went wine tasting about a month ago, I maybe had 3 glasses of wine over 6 hours. The next day I was up 5 pounds and it took me 3 weeks to get rid of it. That wasn't fun. Statements like these make me think Lap Band lowers your metabolism, at least temporarily. The reason being--for someone my size, we are allowed 39 weight watchers points per day to lose weight. My big problem, of course, was being hungry beyond this number of points. However, each glass of wine is 4 points, so you're just looking at 12 points there. With conservative eating (as the band should provide) it should have been no problem....however, the body is being given much less with the band, so it might end up being a "race with the metabolism" for who is the winner. Oh well, we gotta do what we gotta do. If the standard way isn't working, Lap Band it is. Actually, I really just think it is my genetics. I spoke to my mom about the alcohol weight gain and she said she is the exact same way when it comes to alcohol. And she is NOT banded. I'm just one of the "unlucky" ones. I guess it's good that I don't drink that often.

Greetings! So, yesterday I consulted with Dr Abdulsalam Al Taie...he has his own clinic in Jumeirah - I was very intimidated at the thought of speaking to someone - I felt worthless and a bit of a failure, truth be told...but, I liked him. Alot. He has performed over 1300 of the sleeve surgeries and is cocky to boot, but with his experience, I guess he is allowed to be. I felt comfortable though - for some reason I mix well with cocky men - I think I find them challenging... He also performs a lot in the UK, in Manchester, which is right next to my city so that was kind of a comfort. He gave me a great price so I am hoping to go for this surgery in April...depending on whether I can get care for my little one - I wont be able to lift her for 7 - 10 days...that is my primary concern, if I am honest. So I have to constantly remind myself that in the long run, 2 weeks without lifting my angel is nothing in the great scheme of things... After my consultation, I had coffee with my two lovely friends - one who is having the sleeve a week today and the other who is my inspiration... My mum flies out on Thursday - to tell or not to tell. I am kind of worried about telling her to be honest. She would absolutely kill me if I didnt tell her I was going for surgery of any kind - my fear is about her talking me out of it...mentally I am in a good place about this right now. My head wanders back to a colleague who had the sleeve over the summer holidays a year ago - I remember her being brutally ill - she had infections and to be honest, looked and felt deathly ill for a while. I know that for the first couple of months it is going to be tough but I am scared of being ill... Is it really bad to admit that I dont read the negative experiences? I think that people with food issues have a different psychology - an addictive mindset. I have been addicted to many things in my life - food, sex, alcohol, smoking...trying to fill the unfillable void. But with attending certain meetings (I cannot mention which - and yes, they ARE here in DXB - personal message me for details if you want them) and completely overhauling my faith, lifestyle and strength, I feel ready for this. I am concerned that the couselling side of this surgery is not really addressed here in DXB. Which is why I am grateful for this site and being able to speak with people who have experienced the same things. One thing I have learnt so far in this process...I am very much the typical Brit - my philosphy of "Keep calm and carry on" is very much being applied to this process! Love and light xxx

My gawd, where does the time go??? This time 2 years ago I was lying in an HDU bed GAGGING for a drink of Water....... now all I want is alcohol! hahaha ! I feel i've done not too badly, I've lost most of my weight & feel happy with the way I look. I'm not going mental about being a BMI 25 or a stick insect size 12... for me, if I lose more, then fine... it's only if I gain there'll be trouble! haha...... It's easy to be philosophical after being 2 years out... thinking to myself..... There's no point in being too tight.... if your going to eat crap you'll eat it anyway... so your as well having less restriction & being able to eat meat & bread (even a wee bit!)... Your better to be able to tollerate that teeny bit more & not PB at every meal... I also know, that if you'd said that to me 2 years ago I'd have thought you were MAD ! All I wanted was to get the weight off & get it off now!... Well it's not all off... but I'm ok - I feel good & feel 'normal'. One example - I went out for a walk last night (was bored & needed to NOT eat!) - I walked past a bunch of lads.... they were sitting around looking for mischief... (you know the type). I thought... here we go.... I was waiting for comments as had SO many times happened before.... then it happened...... NOTHING.. they looked at me & carried on talking...... I don't know whether I was pleased or disappointed! I thought.... I MUST be normal??? Anyhoo - my weight has stayed at the 200 pounds mark (ish) I'm ok with that - like I said... as long as it doesn't go up i'll be ok.... I'm thinkin, I have the rest of my life to lose the rest.... I can wait a wee while longer !! I'm a size 16 bum & 18/20 top - that'll do! (I'm 5"11). I'm going over to my friends tonight - I'm going to take some photos... I'll get them posted as soon as I can. I'm looking forward to hearing how you've all done & where you are now in your journey. There were a few August 2003 bandsters.. It was nice to know that I wasn't alone all that time ago! I'll let you know when the up to date photo's are on... Hope your all well. Aud x

Cool test. I'm a social menace (206) of course, most of that was before marriage. Alot of drug/alcohol questions which don't apply to me (not the drug part anyway) so, I guess I was a sexpot lol

I been having alcohol since 3 months. It's not an everyday thing. I was not advice not to drink. I do know alcohol hits me hard now after surgery but everything is small amount is good. If you read my fitness pal I got drink kept drinking & had half a bottle lmbo. Felt fine next day but wouldn't recommend to drink that much. Was celebrating how I made 6 months since WLS.

Gargle with biotene mouthwash asap. Don't worry it is alcohol free so it won't burn. You can get it in the mouthwash section at Walmart. It is for dry mouth and mouth wounds. My Dr told me about it when I got my tongue pierced and I've even used it when I had step. It does wonders and u will never use anything else

Oh yes, my Non-alcoholic cirrhosis has been controlled for over 2 years by medication. My liver doctor is 100% behind me regarding WLS.

I love wine and have pretty extensive wine collection. That is gathering dust. My program is "no ETOH for 6 months". And I agreed. For the following reasons: Alcohol is not great for the recovering stomach Alcohol's empty calories Being tipsy empowers your Fat Brain to have a little of this and a little of that and ... Real possibility of 'addition transfer' from food to drink my Program told me to... (sigh, I do drink caffine) I will have wine again (soon), but I expect them two bottle nights be OVER!!! And yes, my lovely wife DOES still have wine in front of me. No biggie...

Hi everyone. I have been following this forum since 2018 when I got sleeved but never had the courage to make an account and post. Well, I got the courage today because I feel like my life is spinning out of control. I will try and keep this as short as possible for brevity but I really need some support and encouragement. I am a male, early 40's who got VSG in 2018. I lost approximately 125 lbs. I was happy, my life changed. I was motivated, more social and felt like I was on top of the world. I got down to 170-175 and felt great. Then, the pandemic hit. Before it hit, my family left my state and moved. Then my father passed during the pandemic and I ended up moving out of state and trying to start my life over. My remaining family lives about 3 hours from me. I never really had a problem with alcohol until the pandemic and the loss of my dad. I put on about 40 lbs in a year between drinking and eating horribly. I don't think I stretched my sleeve because I can feel restrictions, but the carbs from beer are what's doing it. I just joined a gym, and I stopped drinking a few days ago. I also have an appointment with a therapist. People say that it's hardest to lose weight after initial weight gain from VSG. I don't really know anyone in my state or town where I moved, so I need to keep myself accountable. I got the courage to sign up. I also am going to do high protein low carb and see if I have results. I am about 215 right now and I dread seeing people, I am even avoiding seeing my family because of the weight gain.

Alcohol can cause bleeding this early out. In addition, it can cause dehydration (which is already a risk after WLS). Please be careful.

Please talk to your doctor, but alcohol in any shape would be a very bad idea that early. You are not even close to healed at that time, so drinking is a huge no as far as I'm concerned. I was told that drinking was off limits for minimum of 6 months, but highly discouraged for the rest of my life due to the effects. Like, have a glass of wine or a weak mixed drink on special occasions but steer clear of it as a regular thing. After you're a year or so out, it may still hit you VERY hard as you have less stomach to process it, so it filters right into your bloodstream and you'll feel very drunk super fast on a very small amount. I've heard stories of people going black out drunk from just a few glasses that used to not even get them buzzed. And besides that, alcohol is empty calories and super high carb. Very, very bad stuff to try that early. It most likely will make you feel pretty bad and minimum make you stupid drunk, and very likely could make you sick. But yeah, ask your doctor.

Alcohol can cause bleeding so that soon out could be dangerous. You could also get sick and ruin your night. Good idea to wait. Sent from my KFFOWI using the BariatricPal App

BAHAHAHAHA!!!! Wow, I needed a good belly laugh...thanks, jensjoy28! Vsginkc, I felt just like you do. My surgery date was June 19th. I stopped smoking back in March, then cut out sodas & a significant amount of carbs in April, & then even more carbs & caffeine & most alcohol in May. I knew if I waited until right before surgery, I would HATE having to give up everything all at the same time...and I knew that I would probably fail. There was no way I was going to jump through all these damn hoops & not give myself the best chance I could to be successful. Today, at a little over 6 weeks out, I feel great. I've lost 44 lbs so far, I'm exercising, not smoking, eating real food that is well prepared, and although I've had a very small amount of wine twice, I'm certainly not having a cocktail every day. Even if you have waited til the end to start giving the other stuff up, it CAN be done, and it will help you to feel so much better postop, which makes it harder to go back to our old ways later. Good luck to you!

Hey friends. Doing an update. I will be sleeved one year on August 17th. I have lost 95lbs. I am 5’2” 26 years old and weigh 138lbs. I am a size 8 in pants/dresses and a medium/small in shirts. I have saggy skin. Luckily it can be hidden with clothes. Photos are before and now. Problems: I am terrible with my water intake. I am always exhausted. I have zero energy. I don’t do pasta or breads: I tend to overdo it and end up vomiting. I am able to eat bad. That’s something I am scared of. Just like before the surgery, I am still constantly thinking about what I am going to put in my mouth. My brain will always have a fat soul. I have to use little plates or else I make my servings too large. I think I am content with my weight now. I need to start exercising. I do not exercise at all. It’s hard to eat well during the summer since I am a teacher. However, during the school year, I am strict with my diet on week days. I allow slip ups on the weekends. I still snack and drink alcohol, but that is just a weekend thing. Still trying to learn how to change my mindset. So beyond grateful for this surgery and my new life!

Sorry, alcohol counts.

I have had sleep problems for close to 8 years now. First PCP said it was related to hormone changes and prescribed Premarin, I declined and switched PCP's. Next one said it was probably hormone related and sent me for sleep studies, no surprise, diagnosed and have been on a CPaP--which helped somewhat. Next PCP said to take Lunesta and prescribed 10 mg. at night. I broke it in half and took it for almost a year and did great. He retired. Current PCP does not believe in ANY sleep medications and I am back down to being in bed 9+ hours, awakening 7-11 times a night, averaging 6 hours (and monitoring it with a FitBit). I have tried everything I know--no caffeine, no alcohol, Benadryl (100 mg. doesn't even faze me) and nothing works. Right after my sleeve surgery, I slept like a log. Now I am back to 6 hours. My current PCP is retiring so I will be finding another one soon. In the meantime, I have heard exercise helps and have to admit mine has not kicked enough into high gear, but am working on it. Any other suggestions??